Green Homes
Edmonton Ab Home Builders Building Green Homes Assist Homeowners In Qualifying For Up To $10,000 Rebate
Author Admin
Edmonton Green Home Builders are working closely with new home owners and assisting them in qualifying for a government cash rebate by building their new home green. So, if you looking to build a new home in the Edmonton Alberta region, and want to build green, you are more then likely wandering how much more does it cost. You want to build green, but you still want to end up with your new custom dream home that is also affordable.
Well, then I have good news for you. Edmonton home buyers who select green home builders that offers the ‘EnerGuide Rating Program for Houses’ can get huge savings by designing their new home in a way that it will be very energy efficient and at the same time qualify for a Government cash rebate up to ,000 for building green in the Edmonton region. Plus a good EnerGuide rating can also increase the value of your home.
Many of the most valuable energy improvements are easier and cheaper to install while a home is being built. Any investment in energy efficiency improvements you make at the building stage will start to pay you back in lower energy bills the very first day you move in.
A green home pays attention to energy efficiency, water and resource conservation, the use of sustainable or recycled products, and measures to protect indoor air quality.
Building Green is a home that is
less expensive to operate
more comfortable to live in
more environmentally friendly
The EnerGuide rating program is managed by Enervison, a Alberta-based not-for-profit organization with a mandate to help the residential building sector build energy efficient, environmentally responsible homes. With each region in Alberta having its own rating system designed to suit that particular area, these areas are as follows:
Central Alberta,
Calgary Region,
Edmonton Region,
Grande Prairie Region,
Lethbridge Region,
Medicine Hat Region,
Fort McMurray Region,
Bow Valley Region.
Different rebates may apply depending on the municipality or region a house is built in, here I am only referring to the rebates offered specifically to the Edmonton region. (A full list of rebates offered to other regions of Alberta may be found by visiting the EnerVision web site)
The requirements for building green government rebates in Edmonton region may change from time to time, or new rebates may become available as old ones end. Regardless, all rebates are likely to be based on the EnerGuide Rating Labelling System, since it is developed and endorsed by Natural Resources Canada.
Current Rebates that are available to Edmonton Home Builders/home owners are.
,000 for Edmonton new homes that meet or exceed building green homes EnerGuide 86.
$ 3,000 for Edmonton new homes that meet or exceed building green homes EnerGuide 82.
$ 1,500 for Edmonton new homes that meet or exceed building green homes EnerGuide 80.
In the recent top ten list of what Edmonton home buyers are looking for when building a new home, building green was on the very top of the list. Everyone is “Going Green to Save Green” in every possible way. Today as consumers we are constantly reminded about our own carbon footprint and the effect it has on our environment and we all want to do our part. As individuals there is no better way then to start with building the family home by building green from the very beginning.
Edmonton home builders, work very closely with a EnerVision’s Certified Energy Advisors (CEAs) who are government-certified industry experts to evaluate your building plans for energy efficiency and find out where you can improve your new home. They can help you build a more energy efficient, environmentally responsible healthy home. Making sure your home receives a high EnerGuide rating label, as this is usually the only way to qualify for a government rebate.
The EnerGuide evaluation begins at your first visit with your Edmonton builder. Look out for high quality Edmonton home builders who offers the EnerGuide rating service, they have thier house plans evaluated by a certified energy advisor. They then will work with the advisor to develop energy upgrade packages that have money-saving features you will want to include in your new home. Also in these economic times you need to be asking yourself how much will your new dream home going to cost you to run. Your EnerGuide label will tell you what it will cost you to run your new home.
The final rating is calculated when construction is complete, the builder arranges for a CEA to visit your home to verify the energy efficient upgrades and performs a blower door test. Once all the tests have been completed and the data has been collected, the home owner is provided with the evaluation report and a official EnerGuide rating label that shows the true rating of your home. This label is then affixed to the electrical panel. The final step is then to apply for your rebate by completing the necessary paperwork and application form to have your rebate request processed. (Available from the EnerVision web site)
This final independent evaluation is for you, the home owner. It provides you with confirmation of your EnerGuide rating – a number, or numerical range, that your builder committed to when you decided to include energy upgrades. The final rating shows that your builder has met that commitment, and is also used to calculate the government rebate that you are eligible for.
In closing the average new home owner is still looking first and foremost to build their dream home. But as times are changing rapidly the Edmonton new home builder is now not only building their dream they are building green, by making smart choices in the design and construction of a home to ensure it is energy efficient.
Moving into your new home should be the experience of a lifetime. The EnerGuide labelling for Edmonton home builders helps that experience to be the best it can be.
Posted in Green Homes | 
Tags: $10000, Assist, Builders, Building, Edmonton, Green, Home, Homeowners, Homes, Qualifying, Rebate | 
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Green Lantern: Emerald Knights (Blu-ray/DVD Combo + Digital Copy)
Author Admin
Posted in Green Homes | Tags: Bluray/DVD, Combo, Copy, Digital, Emerald, Green, Knights, Lantern | No Comments »
Have a Simple Green Life – It All Starts With a Green Home
Author Admin
A house which is green is constructed and run keeping environment in mind. With the danger of global warming becoming more pronounced with every passing day, the average family needs to do their part to make as minor effect as possible. A simple green life should be the first step. The greener your house; the healthier ambience it will posses. You can utilize environment friendly items from paint to curtains and other components which will append to the complete decoration of your house.
The most likely green materials to be utilized:
In case you are willing to construct a brand new house, think about the environment as well. You can utilize renewable resources such as lightweight concrete, manufactured, stone, straw, earth or wood.
What makes a home green? Well it will directly depend upon the amount of usage of these raw materials. Our planet itself is an abundant resource. The dirt beneath our feet is very environment friendly. You can select from earthen sources like cob, adobe, and rammed earth.
Since last 50 years, lightweight concrete has been utilized for construction of buildings. Its potency is not as much as the usual concrete normally used for construction, but you can be definite about the fact that the final product will match the standards. Benefits of using this building material are that it can be utilized for insulation as it has outstanding fire resistant attributes. It also asks for a smaller foundation and there isn’t too much requirement of structural steel. This effects the environment positively.
Manufactured building materials make an impact on those who care for the environment but don’t like living in a home built of dirt, tree parts, straw etc. Mostly a home built with this kind of material once constructed with prove to be an excellent house that is energy efficient with concern to the planet.
If you desire to live a simple green life, wood is amongst the most flexible resource for construction. Earlier it was considered as a sustainable material for building, but with the excessive harvesting of forests throughout the planet, the people’s greed has beaten the capabilities of trees to regenerate. You can construct a green house keeping in view the environment by using timber farmed, log wood and stick farmed if you require wood.
There are numerous models of green homes available. Models can vary from square to rounded, earth-sheltered and organic. Every mode has many styles you can select from to make your home distinct, soothe and environment friendly.
A square mode home often indicated that it will accommodate the usual idea of a home with respect to the opinions of the Western World. Houses that are judged as conventional frequently have vertical walls and rectilinear floor plan. Modes that can be judged as conventional are modern, bungalow, tradition, Victorian or southwestern.
A house which is curved or rounded in outlook is judged as rounded styling. This indicated that the idea foe the home has a major part which is rounded or curvy. This kind of house is an example of simple green living.
Green homes covered with earth can be positioned either partly or completely into the earth. There are many benefits to you and your environment whenever you decide to make your home green with the selection of this style. Whenever you stay six feet below the surface of the earth, you will observe that the temperature only oscillates a few degrees in the whole year. The advantage of this is that it will need much lower energy to warm up and cool your home, setting aside the environment from draining natural resources.
Living a simple green life can help the environment a lot more than you may think. Our planet and its natural resources is something which should be given to our children. If we don’t bother about the future, there will be nothing left of the environment to pass on.
A house which is green is constructed and run keeping environment in mind. With the danger of global warming becoming more pronounced with every passing day, the average family needs to do their part to make as minor effect as possible. A simple green life should be the first step. The greener your house; the healthier ambience it will posses. You can utilize environment friendly items from paint to curtains and other components which will append to the complete decoration of your house.
The most likely green materials to be utilized:
In case you are willing to construct a brand new house, think about the environment as well. You can utilize renewable resources such as lightweight concrete, manufactured, stone, straw, earth or wood.
What makes a home green? Well it will directly depend upon the amount of usage of these raw materials. Our planet itself is an abundant resource. The dirt beneath our feet is very environment friendly. You can select from earthen sources like cob, adobe, and rammed earth.
Since last 50 years, lightweight concrete has been utilized for construction of buildings. Its potency is not as much as the usual concrete normally used for construction, but you can be definite about the fact that the final product will match the standards. Benefits of using this building material are that it can be utilized for insulation as it has outstanding fire resistant attributes. It also asks for a smaller foundation and there isn’t too much requirement of structural steel. This effects the environment positively.
Manufactured building materials make an impact on those who care for the environment but don’t like living in a home built of dirt, tree parts, straw etc. Mostly a home built with this kind of material once constructed with prove to be an excellent house that is energy efficient with concern to the planet.
If you desire to live a simple green life, wood is amongst the most flexible resource for construction. Earlier it was considered as a sustainable material for building, but with the excessive harvesting of forests throughout the planet, the people’s greed has beaten the capabilities of trees to regenerate. You can construct a green house keeping in view the environment by using timber farmed, log wood and stick farmed if you require wood.
There are numerous models of green homes available. Models can vary from square to rounded, earth-sheltered and organic. Every mode has many styles you can select from to make your home distinct, soothe and environment friendly.
A square mode home often indicated that it will accommodate the usual idea of a home with respect to the opinions of the Western World. Houses that are judged as conventional frequently have vertical walls and rectilinear floor plan. Modes that can be judged as conventional are modern, bungalow, tradition, Victorian or southwestern.
A house which is curved or rounded in outlook is judged as rounded styling. This indicated that the idea foe the home has a major part which is rounded or curvy. This kind of house is an example of simple green living.
Green homes covered with earth can be positioned either partly or completely into the earth. There are many benefits to you and your environment whenever you decide to make your home green with the selection of this style. Whenever you stay six feet below the surface of the earth, you will observe that the temperature only oscillates a few degrees in the whole year. The advantage of this is that it will need much lower energy to warm up and cool your home, setting aside the environment from draining natural resources.
Living a simple green life can help the environment a lot more than you may think. Our planet and its natural resources is something which should be given to our children. If we don’t bother about the future, there will be nothing left of the environment to pass on.
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Six Can’t-Fail Techniques for Creating a Green Home
Author Admin
Many people today are discovering the benefits of having a green home. Innovative practices that green home builders use can do miracles in terms of energy efficiency and environmental friendliness.
What is a green home?
Green home builders use a number of strategies that guarantee efficient energy usage and environmental friendliness. Very basic modifications to traditional construction and design practices are needed to create a green home.
Green home builders can create a whole-house strategy that involves all components including heating, insulation, windows, doors, appliances and furniture. If these are selected and created in ecological way, the house owner will diminish utility bills, experience a higher degree of comfort and healthier living.
To achieve all that, home owners need to work with green home builders on all elements vital to the construction process. Some of the most common techniques used to create a green home provide excellent results in terms of environmental friendliness and sustainable living.
Design of a green home
The first step towards having a green home is selecting the proper eco-friendly architecture and design.
A simple web search will provide you with numerous options. Today, many architects and green home builders use green practices and can create an eco friendly project. Examine previous work and look for references before hiring someone to do your project.
Keep in mind that green architecture relies primarily on natural materials. Other basics to consider include the installation of solar panels, the selection of an appropriate home size, and techniques used to conserve electricity and water.
Energy efficiency techniques
Green home builders know the importance of energy conservation practices. The selection of appropriate techniques will increase your home’s energy efficiency and will minimize the amount of electricity and water wasted.
Insulation is a basic step towards energy efficiency. Both new houses and old constructions can be insulated to minimize the loss of heat.
Interior and exterior wall insulation keeps heat inside during the winter and maintains cool temperatures during the summer. You can also insulate the attic. Various insulation materials, among which foam, fiberglass and cellulose are used.
Proper window selection is also very important to minimize heat loss.
Pick only energy efficient light bulbs. Traditional ones utilize more electricity while producing the same results.
Eco-friendly painting
According to the US Green Building Council’s Green Home Guide, the selection of eco-friendly paint is another important step towards creating a green home.
Traditional paints are responsible for about nine percent of the volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from consumer and commercial products, the US Environmental Protection Agency reports.
VOC is a major component of smog. The accumulation of such compounds can lead to various respiratory and skin problems. Ask your green home builders about alternatives to the traditionally used paints.
One option is latex paints, which are water-soluble and having lower VOC levels than oil-based paints. The most ecological option that green home builders use is the selection of natural paints. These are made entirely from organic and renewable materials including clay, chalk and citrus oils.
Green roofing
Roofing techniques can also increase energy efficiency.
The roof needs to be insulated from below to diminish the loss of heat. Roof insulation can significantly minimize the need to get the house cool in the summer and heated in the winter.
Cool roofs are something else that your green home builders might advice you to get. These usually have a light color, which makes them reflect rather than absorb sunlight. If the roof is already created, your green home builders can use coating to turn it into a cool roof.
Green furniture
The interior, accessories, decorations and furniture can also contribute to an environmentally friendly home.
As you have probably guessed already, green furniture is made of natural and non-toxic materials. If the furniture is made of wood, demand documents that prove the origin of the material used.
Reuse is one of the basic principles of green living. Going for second-hand furniture and antique pieces is another option that will allow you enjoy an eco-friendly home.
When planning your new house, make sure that you select the best green home builders. Examine the offers of various companies and compare the conditions and the communication ease. If your work relationship with builders is effective, you will get the results that you want.
Sources of information:
US Green Building’s Council, Green Home Guide
US Department of Energy, Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy
Insulation innovation for your green home
Author Admin
When it comes to the green home, ratings matter. There are a number of eco certification for home based appliances and white goods. Plus you can get your home professionally assessed for energy efficiency.
Residential homes can be given a rating based on the National House Energy Rating (NatHERS) which is an index of the home’s thermal performance. It is done through a professional analysis by a qualified assessor working in conjunction with the builder of the home. NatHERS provides a baseline for assessment software to rate a home’s energy efficiency potential. Most homes in Australia currently fall below a 5 star rating, but the current tool has now been adapted to allow for a potential 10 star rating (which would be equivalent to zero conditioning energy). This system is based purely on the home’s infrastructure and does not include appliances or hot water systems. Find out more about energy ratings for your home.
Good insulation is a key feature in any energy efficient home. And homeowners are keen to take advantage of Kevin Rudd’s important announcement last week, with funds for ceiling insulation becoming available from the federal government. The Federal Government will be providing eligible homes wiht free ceiling insulation worth 00. Landlords and renters can benefit too with rental properties being included in the package.
Yet with all the available insulation out there, which one should we consider?
Eco Home Tip #16 – Ask about the R value – the measure for insulation materials is the R value. A high R value means better insulation potential. For example, Pink Batts offers a range ceiling insulation products that have an R value of up to 6.0.
Eco Home Tip #17 – Natural insulation – Take your insulation innovation even further and look for ceiling insulation made from sustainable materials, such as Goldenfleece wool insulation. All natural wool fibre has great insulating properties, with the CSIRO claiming, “wool insulation performs better because of it’s ability to rapidly absorb and desorb moisture from the air.” And you’ll be helping out the rural farmers!
Eco Home Tip #18 – DIY insulation – there are lots of simple insulating ideas homeowners can adapt to protect their homes against the elements. Seal draughts with door snakes or hang some thick curtains on your windows to keep out the coming cold.
Insulation is the first step to a great energy efficient home that will save you money. Well designed homes that incorporate insulation, thermal mass design and sustainable energy alternatives, such as solar panels, can save some homeowners up to 50% on their annual energy consumption. Plus you get to enjoy the comfort of having a pleasant living environment year round.
You can find more great eco home ideas on the Green Pages.
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Green Home tips – Eco heating ideas
Author Admin
Autumn is approaching and that means colder days ahead. However, Australia is blessed with an amazingly moderate climate where even our chilliest days are nothing compared to other regions in the world. This means that Australian residents can take advantage of all natural low emissions heating in their green home.
As well as insulation and energy efficiency, there are other innovative heating ideas to keep your home toasty warm for the winter.
Eco Home Tip #31 – Seal up draughts – Put snakes under door jambs, get weather stripping for your windows. Heavy curtains also help keep in the heat and keep out the cold. You’ll be amazed at how cosy a room can be without any heating at all.
Eco Home Tip #32 – Look beneath your feet – the soil beneath you home acts as a natural insulator, keeping the ground warm all year round. By employing a geothermal heat pump, your home can be take advantage of this natural heat during the colder months. In a geothermal system, liquid is circulated in pupes that run beneath your home. As the liquid gets warmer, it is pumped up to a heat condensor where the heat is released into your central heating system.
Eco Home Tip #33 – Keep it low – Switch your thermostat down a single degree. When we come in from the cold, we’re very likely to crank the termostat up much higher than necessary. Remember that every degree lower on your thermostat can potentially save up to 10 per cent on your heating. Throw on a jumper instead.
Eco Home Tip #34 – Cut your system down to size – as with air conditioning, don’t go overboard with your heating. You’ll be amazed at what a single space heater will do.
Eco Home Tip #35 – Look for the Energy Star – As with all appliances, energy star ratings give a good indication of the energy efficiency of the appliance. Energy star rates furnaces, boilers and heat pumps for central heating in your home.
For more green ideas for your eco home, visit the Green Pages at www.thegreenpages.com.au
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